After four years covering arts and culture at the Indianapolis Recorder, my time here has come to a bittersweet end. Nothing nefarious happened, I’m simply moving back home to help take care of my family and friends. Never did I think I’d write an editorial like this, but as I’m packing up my apartment, I realized just how much I’m going to miss Indianapolis. I’m excited to return to Columbus, but I’ve grown quite fond of the Circle City and all this city has to offer — especially to its creative community.
The arts and culture scene here isn’t just vibrant and bustling; it’s also experimental, accessible and overwhelmingly welcoming. Indianapolis is a hub for creative growth and development. For example, artists are taking risks, new businesses are popping up every day and the community is always willing to step up and make something great out of virtually nothing. I’ve heard it said that people often move away from Indy to further their artistic careers, but since 2022, I’ve spoken with dozens of artists who came to Indy to perform, to teach, to grow.
It’s been a privilege to be here; to be part of the Indianapolis Recorder’s history. This city has been (mostly) wonderful to me as I figure out who I am and what I want to write about. I’ve always loved the arts, and I got my start at The Lantern, Ohio State University’s student newspaper, covering the hyper-specific beat of fashion and dance. I was told I’d have to rebuild the Recorder’s Arts & Entertainment section from scratch, and by god if I didn’t bust my rear end to do it with pride.
It’s also been a privilege to go from a young, ambitious former theater kid turned reporter to a trusted writer and voice for the artists whose stories are either just getting started, currently in the making or coming back for an encore.
I’ve met some cool people and written about some truly amazing initiatives and events — such as Sweets and Snacks Expo, WNBA All-Star and Miss Indy Juneteenth. I’ve also experienced some weird, nuanced and inspiring works of art across so many different mediums. I’m serious, there’s always something to do or go see or participate in. The Recorder’s Community Arts Calendars — that I’ve been doing since 2022 — cannot possibly capture everything this city has to offer in a single weekend, let alone a month.
I also got to watch the rise of the Naptown African American Theatre Collective, and although the theater unfortunately had to close its doors earlier this year, they did a lot of great work for the community beyond the remarkable Black stories they brought to the stage, including their free Education for All workshop series.
But Hoosier creatives are in good hands because organizations such as the Indianapolis Black Theater Company, Flanner House Arts; Stage Academy and the New Harmony Project are continuing to support and guide up-and-coming BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creatives by developing new works, workshopping scripts and inviting the community to lean into the mission.
Not to mention just how much GANGGANG has contributed to the local arts scene in just a few years, but also elevating the national conversation surrounding equity in the arts and bolstering Indianapolis’ arts economy.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Harrison Center. After all, Joanna Taft was one of the very first people I connected with when I moved here. The sheer amount of talent, innovation and creative passion coming out of that building always leaves me a little in awe of just how hard-working and dedicated the artists of Indianapolis are.
I often heard the same thing when I asked artists why they did what they did, you know, “What was the reason for which you create?” Most of the time, the answer was something along the lines of they just wanted to create something beautiful in a world that seems so dark. Some would say they create so that others get inspired, so others feel seen, so no one has to feel alone. Others told me they create for their family, for those who encouraged them, who made sacrifices so they could live their dreams, so they leave a positive legacy on their community.
Artists are always my favorite people to talk to because they ramble, they go off on tangents and get so excited to share what they’re working on and why, that they answer all my questions in the first five minutes of the interview. Most apologize for doing this, but truthfully, I love it when they do this.
I’ll miss Indy Pride and IndyFringe Fest, I’ll miss the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Indy Shakes’ free summer performances in the park, and I’ll miss BUTTER, AfroBall Indy and Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest. I’m definitely bummed I won’t be here for the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 2026-2027 season, but I’ll miss these conversations with the artists the most.
I certainly have my favorites and even the ones that won awards, but every story I wrote, every artist I spoke with and every single show, exhibit and performance I saw — whether I liked it or not — has made me a better storyteller. And for that, I will always be grateful.
Thank you to all the Indy artists who taught me how to be better, bolder and braver in my own craft. See you around sometime.
With warmth and renaissance.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 until Sept. 9, 2026. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
